[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 98 (Friday, June 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  CONGRATULATING PAIGE EPLER ON HER GRADUATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF 
                          OKLAHOMA HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 26, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Paige Laura Epler from Woodbridge, Virginia, on her graduation from the 
University of Oklahoma High School. Twelve year old Paige graduated on 
June 5, 2009 as the youngest girl to earn a high school diploma from an 
accredited high school. Paige had a 4.0 grade point average; however, 
she excelled in other areas as well. An extremely accomplished 
violinist, in addition to playing at her graduation, she was the 
selected violinist for NASA's 50th Year celebration and at President 
Obama's Inaugural Luncheon.
  My colleagues also may know Paige from her passionate efforts to Save 
the Sharks. Starting at age eight, she has worked to educate people 
about sharks and dispel the myths that have led to a number of species 
becoming endangered. Paige has given briefings at the Smithsonian Air 
and Space Museum, the Science Museum of Virginia, and to the United 
States Congress.
  Madam Speaker, Paige Epler represents the best this country has to 
offer, and her dedication to her studies bespeaks of the bright future 
before her. I congratulate her on her wonderful accomplishment and wish 
her well in all of her future endeavors.

                          ____________________